This design process started at Yarns On York, my local yarn shop. Sometimes when my creative well is dry, I go there to fondle yarn. (Yes, I know how creepy that kinda sounds! LOL) Some yarns that you would zip past on a website because they may not be as wowing as others can actually be really beautiful in person. Picking up a skein or ball gives you so much more information and can truly spark the imagination. That's why I prefer to buy my yarn through brick and mortar when I can.
Sweetie started as a beautiful skein of Araucania Ruca on the shelf. One look, and I knew I had to touch it. One touch and I knew I had to have it. As corny as it sounds, it spoke to me. This dk weight yarn is gorgeous and I love that it is made out of 100% sugarcane! It is very much like silk in its drape, but more plushness to the fiber. And of course its sheen is beautiful. The fiber breaths and is not as warm as wool, therefore perfect for a pretty summery accessory.
I like to put my fiber where I can see it in my studio as I start looking for stitch patterns. I wanted to use a stitch that was pretty and open. Originally, I wanted to do a shawl with my Ruca, but as I swatched, it became clear this had to be a hat. (Did I mention I'm addicted to hats?)Sweetie has both written and charted instructions. It comes in one size that fits pre-teens to adult. The child model has a 19 inch head and I have a 23" inch head yet it fits great on both of us.
My personal favorite is a slouchy, but beanies are so cute too so both variations are given in the pattern.If trying your hand at knitting lace is on your to-do list for 2010, Sweetie is a cute, easy and fast lacy summer knit. Perfect as an introduction!
The little girl who modeled for me turned 7 years old the day of the shoot. She loved it so much, guess what I gave her? Yup, my Sweetie.Bet you can guess what's back on my needles.
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